Hey kids, let’s go to the… saloon?

Relax, folks this is a wholesome saloon. It is brand new to the movie set at Gammons Gulch, just north of Benson.

Gammons Gulch's new saloon set ©Gammons Gulch

Last year, a movie called “The Gundown” was filmed at Gammons Gulch, here in Cochise County, and the moviemakers wanted a saloon to film in. So, after raising money, the saloon was built. It’s now an 1,100-square-foot movie saloon!

They don’t serve alcohol, so it’s safe to bring the kids.

Just imagine: a gunslinger charges through the swinging doors, card games screech to a halt and chairs scrape the floor. A shoot out is bound to happen! But we’ll just have to wait to see if The Gundown includes one of those scenes or if a wise sheriff or marshal will talk them out of pulling that trigger.

George Scott, former mayor of Benson and a member of Southeast Arizona Economic Development Group, helped raise funds to build the saloon.

Take a tour of Gammons Gulch today to learn about the movie set and see what I call a place that is like the “Antiques Roadshow on Steroids”!

Bisbee & Kartchner: real traveler’s perspective

A couple takes their airstream trailer, visits Arizona (among other places) and blogs about it. I happened to come across this post this morning. Sounds like they have this traveling thing down to a science.

They visited Tombstone, Bisbee and Kartchner Caverns State Park. I looked at their “About” page. Looks like they simply pulled up stakes and hit the road one day after talking about it for a long time. Carpe diem!

As I’ve said before, travel is good for the soul. Check out their fun post! If you’re on twitter, you can follow them at www.twitter.com/malimish.

Events in Cochise County this weekend

A roper waits his turn at the Butterfield Rodeo. Photo by Cathy Murphy

Looking for something to do this weekend? The communities in Cochise County have nine events for you to consider. Take a look… there’s bound to be something to spark your interest. From ghost riders in Tombstone to Butterfield Overland Stage Days in Benson. So much to do!

Oct. 9-12, Corvettes and Ghost Riders, Tombstone

Events include an Early Cowpoke Rendezvous, Welcome Rustlers Corral, Boardwalk Rally, People’s Choice NCCC Car Show, Cochise County Road Tour and more!

When:  10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Where:  Allen Street, Tombstone, Admission: Free, Info:  www.corvettesandghostriders.com

Oct. 10-12, St. Patrick’s Fall Festival, Bisbee

One of Bisbee’s most historic churches hosts this annual family fun event, with prizes, silent auction, arts and crafts, children’s games and food. A dance from 9 p.m. to midnight will cap off Saturday’s fun.

When: daily Where: St. Patrick’s Church, Bisbee, Admission: Free, Info: 520-432-5753

Oct. 11, 21^st Annual Cars in the Park, Sierra Vista

More than 300 custom cars will be polished and shined at the 20th Annual Cars in the Park, considered the largest outdoor car show in Arizona. Vehicles in 22 classes will compete for trophies and prizes.

When: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., Sat., Where: Veterans’ Memorial Park, Admission: Free, Info: 520-227-8318

Oct. 11, Butterfield Overland Stage Days, Benson

This event commemorates the 150^th Anniversary of the Overland Mail Route. Pony express riders will take letters postmarked with a commemorative cancellation stamp on horseback from Benson to Dragoon. Entertainment will be provided in Lion’s Park, with the Benson Fire Department marking its 101^st birthday. Festivities begin with a parade and will include arts, crafts, food and fireworks. 

When: begins at 10 a.m., Where: Downtown Benson, Admission: Free, Info: 520-586-2842

Oct. 11, Cochise County Cycling Classic, Douglas

Ultra cycling event in Cochise County’s high desert landscape of Dragoon and Chiricahua Mountains of southeastern Arizona. 45-, 92-, 157 and 252-mile rides Perimeter Bicycling Association of America, Inc. Cyclist participating in the 157- and 25- mile rides must have their own support crews. Benefits DARC.

Start times: 2 a.m., 6 a.m. and 8 a.m., Where: Douglas, Info: 520-745-2033 or http://www.perimeterbicycling.com/!CCCC/CCCChome.html 

Oct. 11, Butterfield Rodeo & Dance, Benson

The Benson Butterfield Rodeo Committee will host the annual Benson Butterfield Rodeo. Events include rough stock and timed events plus a kid’s rodeo.

When: 5:30 p.m. Rodeo, 8:30 p.m. Dance, Where: Arena Bar, 250 N. Prickly Pear Ave., Admission: Adults, $8; children, age 6-12, $5; Info: 520-586-4293

Oct. 11, Vintage Bisbee Wine Festival, Bisbee
Sample more than 50 Old and New World wines and an afternoon of food, music and fun. Sponsored by the Bisbee Rotary Club, the festival’s proceeds will benefit scholarship programs, community projects and help the world-wide fight against polio.

When:  4 – 7 p.m., Where:  City Park, Brewery Gulch, Admission: $45 per person, Info: 520-432-3554, 1-866-2BISBEE or www.bisbeerotaryclub.org

Oct. 11, Annual Fiber Arts Festival, Bisbee

The juried show celebrating its 16^th year includes more than 30 artists’ works made from natural fibers such as wool, cotton, flax and paper. Vendors will have artists’ materials and finished products for sale. Spinning and natural dyeing classes will be held Oct. 11 & 12 with Jill Holbrook and Alexandro Martinez, a Zapotec weaver from Oaxaca. Registration required for classes.

When: 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Where: Vista Park, in Bisbee’s Warren district; Admission: Free, Info: 520-642-3603 or www.Bisbeefiberarts.com

Oct. 12, Butterfield Golf Tournament, Benson

Enjoy the day as a player or a spectator on a beautiful course! Applications to participate are available at the Benson Visitor Center.

 When:  9 a.m. Where:  Turquoise Hills Family Golf Center, Info:  Applications at 249 E. 4^th Street or www.bensonchamberaz.com,